Gold Coast Titans centre Brian Kelly has emerged as a genuine target for Parramatta as the Eels look to urgently restock their backline for 2026.
Parramatta have opened discussions with the Gold Coast Titans about signing Kelly as a potential replacement for Zac Lomax, who walked out of the club after just one season.
All parties, including the Titans and Kelly’s management, are now working through the financial details of a possible early release for the 29-year-old, who is still contracted to the Gold Coast for next year according to reports from CODE Sports.
Kelly has been told by the Titans that he will not be re-signed beyond 2026, prompting him to consider extending his NRL career elsewhere and potentially locking in a longer-term deal with the Eels.
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Parramatta are currently relying on a backline group featuring Josh Addo-Carr, Will Penisini, Bailey Simonsson, Sean Russell, Jordan Samrani and Joash Papalii, and view Kelly as an experienced option who could immediately strengthen their depth.
With 190 NRL games and 66 tries across his time with the Sea Eagles and Titans, Kelly is seen as a proven attacking weapon who could provide value at the right price.
His defensive lapses have been highlighted in the past, but it is understood new coach Jason Ryles believes he can tighten that area if the Eels secure his signature.
Parramatta have at least two open roster spots and salary cap space for 2026 thanks largely to Lomax’s near $700,000 departure, giving the club flexibility to move quickly.
Kelly’s possible exit also forms part of a wider roster overhaul at the Titans under new coach Josh Hannay, who has already overseen the departures of Reagan Campbell-Gillard, David Fifita, Carter Gordon and Alofiana Khan-Pereira.
The Eels are hoping Kelly could be the next addition to their revamped backline as they look to stabilise their 2026 roster following a turbulent period on and off the field.
If he can improve his defence under Ryles and recapture some of his early-career form, it could prove an astute move from the blue and gold.